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Final Report for the study on Improving smallholder livelihoods through woodlots management: an adaptation to climate variability & change in Makete District, Tanzania.
Summary:
A study on improving smallholder livelihoods through woodlots management as an
adaptation measure to climate change variability and change measure was conducted in
Makete Districts, Tanzania. Tree planting programme in most part of the country has been
advocated for decades but adoption to these activities still is not promising to most part of the
country. In contrary, people in Makete do not need sensitization regarding tree planting. They
already know the importance of trees as they contribute highly to the economy of individuals
and to the District at large. Previously people in Makete Districts depended their income
through agricultural products such as maize, white flour, potatoes and pareto.
_Source: Final Report - Improving Smallholder Livelihoods - February 2010._
Adaptation Experience:
Overall conclusion on the results The project has succeeded in assessing management practices of smallholder woodlots in Makete district. It has also assessed marketing of timber in Makete district. The main output of the project is the guideline on the best practices for woodland management and marketing. This document will for a very useful tool for woodland management by small holder farmers not only in Makete district but also in other places in Tanzania. The study also revealed some alternative adaptation strategies to improve forest management and livelihoods of local communities in Makete district.
Results and Learning:
In Makete district people practice woodlot farming as an adaptation strategy following agricultural crop failure. It is important to stress here that when people face problems associated with climate change they develop coping strategies by themselves or with little assistance from the government or local governments. While adopting the coping strategies, they use their indigenous knowledge which is scattered among them. It is the duty of researchers and extension officers to pack the scattered local knowledge and integrate it to the scientific knowledge in order to impart good practices to the local communities.
Sustainability:
A follow up study on rate of adoption of recommended woodlot management practices has been recommended as a post project activity.
Replication:
More studies on adaptation to climate change and variability are recommended in order to provide information necessary for planning for adaptation and mitigation measures in Tanzania.
